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ABCDE: Warning Signs You Might Have Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common type of cancer by far. It develops in the cells that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanoma normally affects the outer skin, but it can sometimes form in your eyes or internal organs. Here are some warning signs to look out for that might indicate that you have melanoma.

New MolesMany people have moles that do not indicate a skin condition. For comparison, a normal mole is evenly colored either brown, tan, or black. It is either oval or round and is typically about the size of a pencil eraser. Some moles are present at birth, but most moles appear during childhood or young adulthood. Somes moles may also fade away. However, if you notice a mole appear late in life, you should go to a medical dermatology center to get it checked.

Signs that indicate melanomaThe biggest sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing size, shape, or color. To help you identify characteristics of unusual moles that might indicate melanoma, think of the letters ABCDE.

A is for Asymmetry: Look for moles that have irregular shape. For example, the spot may look like it has two completely different halves.

B is for Border: The edges of the spot are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

C is for Color: The color of the mole is not the same all over. It may include different shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or even blue.

D is for Diameter: The spot grows larger than six millimeters, or the width of a pencil eraser.

E is for Evolving: All this means is that the spot is changing is some way, whether it’s shape, size, or color.

Other melanoma symptomsSome other sizes of melanoma may include:

Sores that don’t heal

Spread of pigment around the skin

Redness or swelling around the border

Itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump

Need a Dermatologist in Boca Raton?More than one million American are currently living with melanoma, and most of them will recover without complications. If you experience any of these warning signs, like abnormal moles, sores, itchiness, or anything else mentioned above, then you should visit our dermatologist in Boca Raton for a screening. Early detection is key in preventing seriously harmful effects. Contact us today to set up a medical dermatology skin examination that might just save your life.

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ERIKA LUCERI-JOHNSON, PA-C

DERMATOLOGY PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Erika graduated from the University of Florida in 2002 with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then completed her Master’s of Public Health in 2005 at Florida International University, where she graduated with honors. After earning her MPH, Erika continued her education at Nova Southeastern University, where she again graduated with honors with a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007.

After graduation, Erika worked in pediatric dermatology at Miami Children’s Hospital for 6 years before joining Clearlyderm. She has received specialized training in pediatric dermatology, including the management and treatment birthmarks (hemangiomas, port wine stains, moles, etc), molluscum, warts, acne, rashes, eczema, etc.

ANDREA COLTON, MD, FAAD

MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Dr. Colton graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and University of Miami Medical School in 1978, finishing near the top her class. After finishing a four year Dermatology residency at the University of Miami in 1983, she worked in her own dermatology practices in Boca Raton and then Delray Beach.

She is a board-certified Dermatologist and has a long, distinguished career in Dermatology. Dr. Colton has received numerous accolades, most recently being chosen in 2011, as one of the best Dermatologists in America by the U.S. News and World Report.

Dr Colton is currently on faculty at Florida Atlantic University as an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Clinical Biomedical Science in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and is involved in the dermatology education of medical students.

Dr. Colton’s focus is on comprehensive collaborative dermatology care and works closely with dermatology nurse practitioners to create new innovative care models that will include quality improvement and benchmarks in dermatology.

Dr. Colton is married to Dr. Robert Colton and has five beautiful children and three golden retrievers. She resides in Boca Raton, Florida.